The author of the book writes in his introduction that "The Sprit of Russian Science"
charms him by the of certain atmosphere, the style of relationships between the people.
After reading "The Sprit of Russian Science", like any other good prose, there comes a need of a dialogue with an author. You need to pinpoint all the features of intangible spirit that was so well portrayed in the book. You unavoidably see the author as a human being with great deal of will power, enormous ability to survive and rather significant influence on people.
"The Spirit..." is ironic and wise, cynical and sentimental, rather optimistic and at the same time soaked in all the troubles of modern reality. And after all, it's not that important whom the turns pout to resemble: Baron Munchauzen, Tile Ulenshpigel, brave soldier Shveyka or Jvanetsky's lyric hero? "The Spirit..." isn't "teachy" or "preachy", he doesn't require adoration, and that is why so many a time my hand seeks the book, and doesn't get tired of discovering and rediscovering it.
I think that the power and the charm of "The Spirit..." are only in its appearance, but in its inside all-sufficient that is so powerful that it energizes anybody who touches it one way or the other.
Being employed as an instructor of Russian Linguistics in Technical University (Taganrog Radiotechnical State University), I always appreciated the charming atmosphere of professionalism and genuine humor that our instructors-physicists created. Most of them in their forties or fifties, they have attended Moscow, Rostov and other state academic institutions all over the Russia, their souls have obviously drunk that fairy tale liquor that has "The Spirit...".
It's seems as if "The Spirit..." isn't alone in this world. He has blood siblings that are scattered on numerous islands of professionalism, quality work and culture that still manage to exist in Russia. And although author's end isn't quite a happy one: "We are writing applications, receiving grants, working abroad. But the doors are closing slowly but steadily. Equipment is aging, the fittest are leaving, and those who are left are getting weaker...But the doors are closing. " I want to believe that everything is not as bad as it seems.
I draw resources for hope from my personal experiences. Russian workaholics of today, living in America, miss Russia. They still keep in touch with their Russian friends, family and colleagues. And last but not least, this "The Spirit..." identified by the author, goes on living here, on the foreign soil.
Here, like in Saint Petersburg, Moscow or tiny Taganrog, small groups of people are formed that are capable to appreciate high quality work, that are capable of not being afraid of work, and of keeping sense of humor in any circumstances.
New life will demand continuation of this book, but I want to thank the author for what's already written. I realize what kind of work you have endured by gathering accidental jokes scattered in the stream of every day's reality.
The author succeeded in saving in his writing the style, the language and genuine charm of real life.
Of course the elements of Russian "get-together" and masculine folklore add certain spice to the overall dish of the book, but most of all I appreciate something else about it. Having read the book in quite unfavorable for myself circumstances, I realized: life isn't over yet, and our sadness has to be light, no matter what. It seems like this book is able to settle optimism and love of life in any mind and do it in a very easy and elegant manner.
Today "The Spirit..." lives like we all do, through difficult and surprising times.
And one more thing. When my sixteen-years-old daughter, who according to unwritten laws of her age, neglected the ideals of her parents, read the book with the same pleasure as myself, I have secretly celebrated. But when she wrote a version of review of "The Spirit...", I was puzzled. The review was sincerely encomium, only it was written in English... Having lived in America for two years, my daughter didn't loose the ability to be influenced by unknown to her "The Sprit of Russian Science", but it became easier for her to express her emotions in English and in typical American manner.

I sighed deeply and thought: "But maybe this is good?" "The Sprit of Russian Science" is alive and respected by us, and our children are able to comprehend it. So let it take its second breath, and let life bring into this new process its own sudden corrections.
"We are born to make fairy tale reality."

Maya Solovieva, Ph. D.,
Instructor of Russian Language
Currently residing in the United States